Fireworks on the Fourth: Temecula, Lake Elsinore to provide Independence Day celebrations

What gives? If you were in certain parts of Southwest Riverside
County last night, you saw fireworks displays lighting up the sky,
and yes, they were in celebration of Independence Day.

The city of Murrieta traditionally has their fireworks display
at the city's Birthday Bash, which was held last night, and Menifee
did the same at an Independence Day celebration at Wheatfield Park.
And maybe you also saw fireworks going off in the area near
Pechanga Resort & Casino. The casino held their fireworks
display early also.

But have no fear, you Fourth of July traditionalists, there will
be two more fireworks displays on Wednesday night.

Temecula's display will happen around 9 p.m. and will be
launched from the Ronald Reagan Sports Park on Rancho Vista Road
and Elsinore's show will take place at 9:30 p.m. and will originate
from the main levee area of Lake Elsinore.

In Temecula, the celebration begins early Tuesday as the city's
15th annual Star Spangled Parade will begin at 10 a.m. and continue
along Front Street in Old Town Temecula. Then at 2 p.m. the
festivities will move over to Ronald Reagan Sports Park for a day
full of family-styled play. The public is invited to stake claim to
a spot of grass, spread out the blankets and have a picnic (no
alcohol is permitted) or purchase food from vendors.

Live music will be offered on a stage in the middle of the
fields and craft vendors will offer a chance to shop. Children can
partake in the the fun by bouncing in the inflatable rides or
climbing the rock wall. Finally at 9 p.m., the fireworks show will
begin, but don't forget the portable radios because the show will
be synchronized with KATY 101.3's radio broadcast.

The celebration begins a little later in the day in Elsinore as
the July 4th Celebration won't officially begin until 8 p.m. That's
when the Boat Parade of Lights starts out from the Seaport Boat
Launch area and continues around the lake. The boats will feature
Independence Day-themed decorations and lights and will be judged
in a decoration contest. The boat parade is open only to boats
registered to participate in the event. There is a $5 fee to enter
the parade and contest and forms can be picked up at city hall or
at any lake launch facility.

You can watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own boat,
but even if you don't have a boat, the city invites everyone down
to the lake to see the fireworks show.

For information on the Temecula celebration, call (951)
694-6480, and for information on the Elsinore parade and fireworks,
call (951) 674-7730.